Low Roller

Why? If it's something you use everyday, that's even more reason to invest in good quality to make your everyday tasks more enjoyable. Once you find one that writes well, without smudging or scratching, you can just stick with it and never have to think about it again. A $100 pen that lasts 25 years really isn't that expensive. Plus, if you ever have to backdate documents, you're much less likely to get caught (I'm kidding...really).

FlyerTalker70

Disclaimer : I am not a stylophile by any means but appreciate a good quality pen.

I think you are confusing the ink with the pen. It is the ink that determines qualities like smudging, flow, etc. The pen part to some extent impacts delivery but I always thought the main appeal of the pen was how it felt in your hand (i.e. weight and balance) and whether it's something that's comfortable for your writing habits (i.e. if you're a writer working on dozens of pages of a book). The former tends to be cheaper than the latter (i.e. most ink carts are between $3-$30 depending on brand, qualities, etc.) whereas the barrel or proper part of the pen can cost hundreds of dollars.

-James

catcher1

Of course. I'm very surprised by many of the responses here to the situation.

fezzington

Sometimes I have extra hotel pens.

Sometimes I don't, because the passengers on the last flight took them all.

I'm required to keep one on my person at all times so you're not getting that one, sorry.

It could be weight, it could be cost.

I know UAL used to have them in the amenity kits for BusinessFirst, and even a mini pen into the first round of "Polaris" kits. I don't think I've seen them in awhile, though.

donaldsc

Some of my pens are 50 or 60 years old. Most ballpoints are throw away junk. Good pens are forever.

DON

Low Roller

I agree that the feel (and look) of the pen are most important But most brands take specific refills, so that's a consideration too -- Some are better than others. Once you have one you like and know which refills you like (fine point, medium point, etc.) you can stick with the same type for years and generally get consistent results (although I've occasionally purchased a bad batch of refills, but it's rare).

But, I fear we are getting too far off-topic. The bottom line for me is that I'm not lending anyone my good pens in case they don't get returned or get returned as a germ-covered mess, but if I have some cheapo plastic ones on hand, I will gladly share and would hope that others would do the same if I were ever in need.

Guillou

I could hardly agree more. Excluding some out of the ordinary scenarios where the person next to me has behaved like a total jerk throughout the flight or I only have my family heirloom $$$$ pen, I personally have hard time to come up what I would lose to help out someone with something as minuscule as lending them a pen for a couple of minutes. Considering germs I would guess that most of us are forced to handle way worse things when traveling unless I have specific reasons to think otherwise. Each to his/her own.

That said I cannot remember the last time I needed to borrow a pen myself but based on the comments of the this thread I will make an extra effort to make 100% sure I will always have one on me when flying.

secretalcoholic

I once lent out a fountain pen and it came back with the nib bent...so...yeah I no longer lend out pens, or I have a cheap BIC in my bag and that's all you get.

DeepUnderground

Replacement nibs are all of 4 dollars

Annalisa12

What about your astronaut pen?

davie355

It's his pen, and his right to lend / not lend. He is rude not to lend, because it's such a wildly unusual and obviously disappointing response.

Analogous situation: I am a customer, it is my right to tip / not tip. It is rude for me not to tip, assuming there is a customary tip.

Bottom line: exercising one's "right" may go hand in hand with being rude.

FlyerTalker70

garykung

I feel for OP. But if I was in a similar situation, I would not lend out my own pen.

That's why the pen I carry during travel has the word "UNITED" on it

In addition to Hawaiian flights, GUM-HNL or vv (non-stop, non-Island Hopper) is another domestic flight that require customs declarations.

sethb

If you're going to use something every day, isn't it worth getting the best even if it costs a bit? Spending a lot of money on something you use only a couple of times a year seems sillier.

invisible

Do you plan to take these pens with you in your grave?